How does Ezekiel 11:19 inspire unity within the church community? A promise that creates one heart Ezekiel 11:19: “And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.” • Not a wish, but God’s decisive act—He “will give.” • “Singleness of heart”: a literal, God-given ability to think, feel, and choose together. • “New spirit”: the Holy Spirit, poured into every believer (cf. Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17). • Exchange of “stone” for “flesh”: the removal of stubborn self-interest and the impartation of tender responsiveness toward God and others. Christ fulfills the promise • At Pentecost the risen Jesus sends the Holy Spirit, uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body (Acts 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13). • The “heart of flesh” is experienced as shared love flowing from Christ’s indwelling presence (Romans 5:5). Unity is supernatural, not manufactured Because Ezekiel 11:19 describes God’s work: • Unity originates in regeneration, not in programs. • The church’s oneness is an accomplished reality to be guarded, not invented (Ephesians 4:3-6). • Division reveals lingering “stone,” while harmony displays the soft “flesh” heart God has installed. Living out the new heart together • Relate to one another as fellow recipients of the same heart transplant. • Keep short accounts—repent and forgive quickly (Colossians 3:12-14). • Make room for the Spirit’s voice through Scripture and prayer in every gathering (John 16:13). • Serve side by side, letting compassion replace self-promotion (Philippians 2:1-4). • Celebrate shared victories and bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Reinforcing Scriptures • Jeremiah 32:39—“I will give them one heart and one way.” • Ezekiel 36:26—another promise of the heart exchange. • John 17:20-23—Jesus prays that believers “may be perfected in unity.” • Acts 2:46—early church “with one accord.” Ezekiel 11:19 anchors unity in God’s irreversible gift: one softened heart beating in every redeemed chest. Guarding that gift keeps the church strong, attractive, and ready for the Lord’s return. |